Pelvic floor dysfunction is a common condition that affects the ability to properly relax and coordinate pelvic floor muscles during urination or bowel movements. These muscles support the bladder, uterus, vagina, prostate, and rectum. Causes include age, pregnancy, excess weight, and previous abdominal or pelvic surgery.
Symptoms can include chronic pelvic pain, excessive straining during bowel movements, thin or hard stools, needing to change positions to pass stool, incomplete stool evacuation, and lower back discomfort. Women may also experience pain during intercourse, while men may face erectile dysfunction.
Diagnosis starts with a detailed history and physical. Tests to help in the diagnosis involve anal manometry testing, dynamic pelvic floor MRI, or electromyography (EMG).
Treatment is multidisciplinary, potentially including dietary and lifestyle changes, pelvic floor physical therapy, or Botox injections to relax certain pelvic floor muscles.